A half century ago, Utah members of the Church fortunate enough to own a television set tuned in to see the image of President George Albert Smith welcoming viewers to the 120th Semiannual General Conference. For the first time, general conference had become a live, multi-media event as members far removed from the Salt Lake Tabernacle participated in the six sessions via radio and television.

"Significant traditions have grown into the practices of bringing the conference messages of the leaders of the Church to their people," the Church News reported. "Beginning with the first conference held in Fayette, New York, with its 27 members, and then to Independence and later to Nauvoo and finally to the Salt Lake Valley, the proceedings were first recorded with a few notes, and then from minute shorthand notes which were later transcribed and published in newspapers and magazines.

"Two decades ago the conference congregation was increased by the mighty voice of radio bringing the sessions into the homes of thousands.

"At the semiannual general conference ... another tradition was inaugurated in carrying the words of the General Authorities to the Church. For the first time in history, the six sessions were telecast! Not only were the words of inspiration to a weary and troubled world of President George Albert Smith heard by thousands, but also the image of the prophet was before their very eyes. Television can never hope to echo and reflect more than that."

In his conference address, President Smith noted the historic general conference moment as KSL cameramen focused their lenses on the Tabernacle podium.

"Not only is this building now filled to capacity, but there are thousands of people listening in on the outside," he said. "Many are witnessing what you are this morning by television. We live in a wonderful age."

To best capture general conference, a special television booth to accommodate two cameras was constructed on the Tabernacle's south balcony. The cameras provided both long and close-up shots. The general conference sessions were also filmed by a technician working underneath the Tabernacle floor, according to the Church News.

Today, the vast majority of members experience general conference through some form of television. With the advent of satellite signals and Internet broadcasts, the general conference proceedings are available to a global audience that would have been unimaginable to viewers in 1949. President Smith's words still echo true: "We live in a wonderful age." — Jason Swensen